Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 07/21/2023 PreS-Gr 3—An illustrated story that can be read in either English or Spanish, this picture book creates an interactive experience. Two words appear on the pages: "Sí" and "¡No!" Readers have to discover why the illustrations merit a "Sí" or deserve a "¡No!" in each of the scenarios presented. The title page offers a clue to what the remaining pages will present: A skeleton boy rides his bike to the store and parks it in front of the door. He says, "Sí," while a skeleton girl says "¡No!" Readers follow the direction in which she points to see a small sign indicating "no bikes" affixed to the wall of the store. From there, the book illustrates various scenarios, including writing invitations to a party, how to treat decorations, how to select a gift, how to behave at a party, how to play safely with friends, how to treat nature, and how to take good care of one's things. Montijo leaves room for children to respond to the problems presented with their own solutions. Illustrations are red, black, and white, and repetition of images allows readers to play "I Spy" with the differences by identifying patterns and what does not fit. This book compares to those in the "Penelope Rex" series, in which a character has to learn right from wrong. Here, Montijo's message of how to treat nature and others with kindness and courtesy is presented with subtlety and an eye-catching, limited palette. VERDICT An interactive read-aloud story that helps teach children how to build healthy friendships and other life lessons.—Stephanie Creamer - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 08/08/2023 With a vividly illustrated Skeletown world dressed in red, black, and white, this picture book playfully invites readers to consider what constitutes right and wrong with only the words sí and no. Readers enter a comical world populated by Día de los Muertos–inspired calaveras in a town that resembles the pueblos in Mexico, where a pair of young skeletons get up to all sorts of adventures. Reading on the floor? Sí. Reading on the floor of a market, blocking all foot traffic? No. Hitting a piñata? Sí. Hitting a beehive next to a piñata? ¡No! Each page has a similar rhythm, with the lively, detailed illustrations doing the bulk of the storytelling. Prereaders will have fun interpreting the reason behind each sí and no, and the final pages turn the plot toward the importance of collaboration and friendship—and, of course, a little mischief, too. For more fun, skeleton-themed Spanish learning experiences, this pairs perfectly with Skeletitos: Make Every Moment Count (the book or the musical mobile app), by Susie Jaramillo. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.